Wine and Dine at the Best Restaurants in Merimbula

A seaside gem on NSW's Sapphire Coast, Merimbula has long been a prime holiday spot for families and friends, thanks to its stunning beaches, pristine lakes and natural beauty.

Adding to the appeal of this coastal getaway is the sprinkling of quality eateries and bars throughout town. From authentic Japanese and American bites to fresh seafood and pub meals at the local RSL, the best restaurants in Merimbula will satisfy your cravings with flavour, freshness and seaside ambience.

Banksia Restaurant

You don't need to travel far for an evening of fine dining, with Banksia Restaurant - less than a 10-minute drive away in the neighbouring town of Pambula - providing one of the best spots for elevated eats in the area.

Take a seat in the charming and cosy restaurant inside the heritage-listed old Pambula Bank, complete with a fireplace and white tablecloths, and make your way through a 3 course feast with matching wines. With a menu changing every fortnight to reflect the best available produce, except to dine on a range of protein and vegetables packed with flavour and texture.

22 Quondola Street, Pambula

Bar Monti

Bar Monti is known for making the best pizzas in town. Opening in 2022, this cute neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar welcomes friends and family with open arms, filling their bellies with modern Italian delights like mortadella meatballs served on soft polenta, pepperoni or Margherita pizza, lamb ragu rigatoni, and the best baked limoncello cheesecake on the South Coast.

Dulcie's Cottage

Dulcie's is a character-filled, reimagined 1920s weatherboard cottage serving mouthwatering burgers, wings, oysters, craft beers, and cocktails. Enjoy local ingredients served from a retro caravan under a shady jacaranda tree. Whether you're sipping drinks in the garden or snuggling up by the fire, Dulcie's is a must-visit, if not for the food, but for the oh-so-cute photo ops!

60 Main Street, Merimbula

Valentina

Book a spot in the stunning and inviting dining room at the one-hatted restaurant Valentina on the sparkling waterfront for the best seafood in town. While you soak up the breathtaking views, dine on their Mediterranean-inspired share plates like mignonette oysters, anchovy crostini and the blue swimmer crab aglio e olio.

We recommend saving room for dessert, because the midnight mousse with dark chocolate mousse, pistachio gelato, and macadamia cream is otherworldly. 

Upstairs 5, 2 Market Street, Merimbula

Little Alice

Bringing the nostalgia of a retro American diner to the heart of Merimbula, Little Alice is the go-to for burgers, fries, wings, milkshakes, coffees and cocktails. The laidback alfresco is particularly welcoming on a summer evening, with the festoon lights setting the tone for a memorable night in Merimbula.

With Happy Hours and regular Girls' Night Out events, if you're new to town and looking to make new friends, this is the place to do it!

46-52 Market Street, Merimbula

Umi-ko Izakaya

Tasty and affordable dishes with a side of fun are the order of the day at Umi-ko Izakaya, the eatery bringing authentic Japanese fare to the Sapphire Coast. Lanterns, old-school posters and neon lights draw you in, while the menu of small and large plates, ramen bowls and sashimi will entice you to linger longer.

The pork katsu curry warms the soul, and the kimchi poke bowl with radish and edamame provides a fresh option come lunchtime.

56 Market Street, Merimbula

Bar Superette

Home to expertly-made cocktails, a bespoke wine list, delicious dishes and a chic setting for a long lunch or decadent dinner, Bar Superette has been a welcome addition to Merimbula's food and bar scene.

Wander in or make a booking, choose a bottle of wine to share, and order a selection of bites from the blackboard, with a rotating selection of dishes that keep the locals coming back for more. Having served the likes of steak tartate, charcuterie boards, prawn sandos and fried cauliflower with pangrattato in the past, you can expect to be as delighted by the food as the stellar drinks selection.

Keep an eye on socials for events at Superette, with vinyl nights and collabs with wineries keeping things interesting all year long.

16/20 Market Street, Merimbula

Merimbula RSL Club

Nothing beats the local RSL; Merimbula's has character and charm in spades. This relaxed, family-friendly club boasts some of the best views in town, sitting pretty with views over the lake and ocean. There's a restaurant, cafe, sports bar, and free live entertainment, providing endless options for food and fun. 

The Coral Sea Restaurant menu is filled with hearty dishes, from fresh local oysters to calamari salad, housemade gnocchi and a seafood paella.

52-54 Main Street, Merimbula

Kitty's Bar & Dining

Kitty's is located within Club Sapphire and offers a delicious dining experience with an Asian-fusion flair. The menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes that blend modern flavours with classic faves like dumplings, pork belly bao buns, five-spice squid salad, donburi bowls, fresh oysters and Korean fried chicken.

The chic mid-century décor - with its 20-metre marble-top bar and a cosy sandstone fireplace - is the perfect backdrop for a long lunch. In summer, the sunny courtyard hosts live music.

Now that you've had your foodie fix at the best restaurants in Merimbula, it's time to explore! Take a drive to discover the best walks on the South Coast, or go further with the best road trips in NSW.